COMFORT FOOD
2014 Scion FR-S
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, Jan 5, 2014
By: The LACar Editorial Staff

By Mark Dorman
I have tasted heaven, and it has four wheels.
Have you ever owned a pair of jeans (or anything, for that matter) that was your absolute favorite? Not because they were the most expensive or the best-looking, but because of the way they made you feel? That is what the Scion FR-S is in my book. It is not the best-looking car in the world (although I do love the way it looks) or the fastest by any means. However, the car is so amazing to drive it won me over and made me never want to let it go.
The moment I got an email saying I was going to have an FRS test car, I was excited beyond belief. I have been waiting to really drive this car long before the concept was even released. On my way to Toyota Headquarters to pick up the car, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. They handed me the keys and I literally ran to the test car parking lot to find the FRS. There it was, all shiny white with a full tank of gas. What more could I ask for?
Exterior and Interior Impressions
The FRS is beautifully crafted. The lines look aggressive and smooth without looking gaudy. Almost every part of the design serves a function from the shape of the hood and roof, to the little fin on the tail lights. This car was purpose built for a true driver. The tail lights look a little cheap (reminiscent of the Altezza-style lights seen on every tuner Honda in LA), and the wheels are a little narrow. Other than that I have no complaints about the exterior.
Upon getting into the FR-S, I find the interior well-crafted. Everything feels very driver-oriented and easy to access. Some of the materials feel a little cheap and a little low on the quality scale, but you can’t expect a Lexus quality interior on a $25,000 car. The seats are incredibly comfortable and supportive. There are bolsters that hug you at all times and enough support to ensure great posture on long drives. Steering wheel feel is also phenomenal. Toyota-Scion-Subaru really hit a home run here.
Conclusion
An absolute joy to drive, in a package that looks amazing: It is no surprise that Scion hasn’t been able to keep these cars on their showroom floors. For the price (even for $10,000 more), you will be hard pressed to find a better driver’s car. As I said before; it may not be the fastest car, or the best looking, but it is my favorite nonetheless.
For more information about Scion products, go to scion.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of car:
2014 Scion FR-S
All new for 2013, the 2014 Scion FR-S gets knee pads on the transmission tunnel and door panels (around the speaker grilles). Also new is a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen audio system.
Price:
$24,700 (base manual)
$25,800 (base automatic)
EPA fuel economy rating (miles per gallon):
22 city/30 highway
Engine:
FA20 2.0L 4-cylinder boxer, DOHC 16 valve, dual variable valve timing, D4-S Direct and Sequential Port Injection
Horsepower:
200 @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
151 pound-feet @ 6400-6600 rpm
Transmission:
RA62 6-Speed manual with Torsen Limited Slip Differential
6-Speed automatic with Sport mode and sequential manual paddle shifters (as equipped)
Drive configuration:
Front engine, rear wheel drive
Steering:
Electronic Power Steering
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Strut with 18mm stabilizer bar
Rear double wishbone with 14mm stabilizer bar
Brakes:
Front 11.6” ventilated disc
Rear 11.4” ventilated disc
Anti-lock brake system